KUALA TERENGGANU: The East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2), which is scheduled for completion in 2011, will stimulate Terengganu's economic growth. Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said yesterday the construction of the expressway, which began in March 2006, was on schedule and 41 per cent complete.

He said the RM3.7 billion project was part of the RM8.1 billion allocation for the state under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

"The LPT2 is expected not only to shorten the travelling time to the east coast, but will also become a catalyst of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

"It will help enhance socio-economic activities, spur industrial growth, including small-scale industries, open up new townships and promote tourism." 

Zin said many Bumiputera contractors were engaged in the project, which had so far created 5,000 jobs.

The government had yet to decide whether to impose toll charges along LPT2 as it would depend on the volume of traffic, he said, adding that the third phase of the expressway might continue under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

Zin said besides LPT2, 365 development projects had been earmarked for the state under the 9MP, of which 71 were complete, 163 were at various stages of construction and 131 at the pre-construction stage.

"Terengganu was allotted RM2.53 billion between 2006 and last year and RM2.4 billion more for the next two years under the 9MP." -- Bernama